Mocha, roasted coffee beans, plums, graphite and grilled herbs wrap around the palate as the 2010 Cote A Cote shows off its undeniably appealing personality. Firm yet well-integrated tannins frame a long, creamy finish endowed with substantial length. The late harvest style of the vintage comes through nicely in this attractive, mid-weight offering. In 2010, the blend is 42% Grenache, 34% Syrah and 24% Mourvedre. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018. Proprietor Stephan Asseo remarks that there were 35 wineries bonded in Paso Robles when he arrived in 1997. Today there are more then 250. That pretty much sums up the explosive growth Paso Robles has experienced over the last fifteen years. The L’Aventure wines are distinguished for their textural richness and their use of Bordeaux varieties, which are far less common than Rhone varieties in Paso. Asseo reported that bloom and set were both pretty regular in 2010 and that heat spikes were not an issue. The key to the vintage, according to Asseo, was limiting yields, which required quite a bit of green harvesting.Tel. (805) 227-1588; www.aventurewine.com

Similar to the 2004 with its pure, focused style, the 2010 Cote a Cote boasts terrific notes of creme de cassis, blackberry, and crushed rock-like minerality that flow to a full-bodied, concentrated and focused palate. Showing stunning purity of fruit, a tight, backward profile and a great finish, this beauty will have two decades of longevity. Tel. (805) 227-1588; www.aventurewine.com

Intense and focused without being overweight, this homes in on crushed rock, fresh earth and dried berry, with touches of black licorice and spice. Needs time and air. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. Drink now through 2023. 900 cases made. –JL